USPS Reports Over 6,000 Dog Attacks on Mail Carriers

National Dog Attack Awareness Campaign starts June 1

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has reported that dog attacks on its employees have risen to over 6,000 cases in the past year. In response, USPS is initiating a National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, beginning June 1, to underscore the importance of responsible dog ownership in maintaining the safety of postal deliveries and employees.

Campaign Aims to Promote Pet Responsibility

This month-long campaign emphasizes the theme "Control Your Dog during Mail Deliveries" and encourages public engagement under the hashtag #dogbiteawareness.

“The best defense against dog attacks is responsible pet ownership, which includes training your dog to behave and obey commands while keeping it from roaming freely,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS’s Safety and Health Awareness Manager. “It’s vital to remember that any dog, regardless of breed, size, or age, might bite.”

Theriault added that postal worker safety can be vastly improved by simply ensuring that dogs are kept away from mail carriers. “Please help keep everyone in our communities safe,” she urged.

Dog Owners' Role in Ensuring Mail Safety

Dog owners may not be fully aware of their pets' behavior. Dogs can unexpectedly lash out, acting on their instinct to protect. They might attack not only over territorial instincts but also when scared, anxious, or unwell.

Mail carriers generally follow a routine schedule, so controlling your dog before the carrier arrives can help avert risky interactions.

“When awaiting mail delivery, keep your dog in a different room or secured area away from the door. If outside with your dog, ensure it is leashed and restrained from approaching the carrier,” Theriault advises. Additionally, she warned, "Do not accept mail directly from the mail carrier while in the presence of your dog, as the pet might perceive the carrier as a threat."

Children, too, should be reminded not to receive mail directly, as dogs can misinterpret these interactions.

Utilize USPS Informed Delivery for Scheduling

With the free USPS Informed Delivery service, customers can digitally preview incoming mail on their devices. Since its launch in 2017, millions have subscribed to stay ahead of mail deliveries, allowing dog owners to prepare in advance.

Understanding the Consequences of Dog Attacks

Owners are liable for damages if their dog injures a postal worker, potentially facing hefty fines that may cover medical expenses, lost wages, uniform replacement, and even the worker’s emotional distress. Jonah Helfrich, a mail carrier from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, shared, “I urge all dog owners to restrain their pets during mail delivery.”

Mail Carriers Trained for Safety

USPS equips carriers to identify and react to situations where dogs are present. Tactics include producing non-threatening noises, maintaining surveillance on dogs, and setting a firm barrier, such as a mailbag, between them and aggressive dogs. Carriers carry tools like handheld scanners that issue alerts about potential dog encounters.

Postal Delivery Suspension Due to Safety Concerns

If conditions are unsafe, mail carriers can suspend service. In such cases, dog owners must retrieve mail from their local post office. Home delivery resumes when conditions ensure the carrier’s safety. Ongoing issues might lead to owners renting a P.O. box for mail.

Cities and States with High Dog Attack Incidents

The ranking for 2024 shows Los Angeles, California, leading with 77 recorded dog bites, followed by Houston, Texas, at 65, and Chicago, Illinois, at 57. California topped the state list with 701 incidents. Full rankings can be found through USPS local communications representatives.